Defecator



July 4, 1939. w. c. GRQENIGER DEFECATOR Filed July 9, 1958 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 INVENTOR YOHI Y' @Leutz TORNEY Patented July 4, 1939 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE DEFECATOR Application July 9, 1938, Serial No. 218,332

'7 Claims.

This invention relates to waste disposal apparatus, and more particularly to such apparatus of the type equipped with a bowl for receiving and discharging waste materials, with flush rim struc- Vture for the bowl, and with a source of supply of flushing liquid connected in flow communication with the flush rim structure.

Waste disposal apparatus of the specified type, when connected into the usual plumbing system for the supply of flush water, endangers the purity of the entire water supply unless special precautions are taken to prevent back-flow of any liquid that might rise above normal level in the bowl due to stoppage in the Waste discharge system.

Back-flow may be best prevented by providing the inlets for the supply of flush water directly to the bo-wl, at a location above the overflow spill level of the bowl.

The present invention has, therefore, as a principal object, the prevention of back-flow into the water supply system, through the flush supply inlets, of contaminated water in the bowl.

For accomplishing this object, flush water is 25.supplied to the bowl from any suitable source by means of novel flush rim structure which establishes the over-flow spill level of the bowl at a location below the ush supply level.

Another object of the invention is to combine,

;with flush rim structure of the bowl, means for seating an individual using the apparatus.

The invention may be embodied in various types of waste disposal apparatus, especially sanitary devices, but is particularly applicable to that ftype of sanitary device known as a defecator, and will hereinafter be set forth with respect tov its embodiment therein.

Particularly as applied to defecators, it is preferable that the defecator bowl be formed with flush rim-channel portions integral with the bowl and separated by rim portions depressed below the flush discharge level of the rim-channel portions. The depressed rim portions provide for the positioning of Vindependent rim-channel seat por- -tions which are connected, respectively, in flowreceiving communication with the source of supply of flushing liquid.

In this manner, a defecator closely approaching the customary type of defecators in functional characteristics is provided with an overflow spill level below the flush supply level.

Further features and objects of theinvention will be apparent from the following detailed description, together with the accompanying- `draw- In the drawings:

Fig. 1 represents a top plan view, partly in section of a preferred embodiment of defecator provided with integral flush rim-channel portions and independent rim-channel seat.

Fig. 2 represents a central vertical section taken longitudinally through Fig. 1, with lower portions of the bowl broken out.

Fig. 3 is an enlarged detail view in vertical section taken on the line 3 3, Fig. 1'.

Fig. 4 represents a vertical section taken on the line 4-4,Fig. 1,` with bottom portions broken out.

Fig. 5 represents a vertical section taken-on the line 5 5, Fig. l, with bottom portions broken out, and illustrating the seat in a raised position.

Referring to the drawings: the illustrated defecator construction represents one type of waste disposal apparatus embodying this invention.

The bowl I 0 is preferably formed of vitreous china and has integral therewith the usual evacuator structure comprising an upfiow syphon leg, or trapway, I I, and a discharge leg I2 leading to suitable waste piping such as a customary soil pipe.

At the rear of the bowl l0, and above the evacuator structure, is formed a chamber I3 for the supply and distribution of flush water, the cham- I ber being defined by a preferably arcuate front wall I4, side walls I5 and I6, top wall I'I, and rear Wall portions I8-I and I8-2, the latter having rearward extensions I8--Ia and IB-Za which together, and in conjunction'with top wall portion Il-|, deiine an inflow passage I9 leading from a supply opening 2,0 into the chamber. Opening 2|] is formed in back wall portion 2l, which extends upwardly and laterally to provide a back board for the defecaton'and is adapted to connect with any suitable source of supply of ush water, preferably directly to the piping system furnishing water for general'use throughout the building in which the defecator is installed. Inow of Yflush water to chamber I3 through opening 2|] and passage I9 may be controlled by any ordinary type of ilushometer valve (not shown) interposed in the piping system.

The opening for the supply of ush water-here opening 2limay be placed in the top wall or either side wall as well as the back wall and may connect directly or indirectly with a customary storage tank supply o-r other suitable supply, as well as in the manner above specified. In all instances, however, such opening-for the supply of flush water must-be well above the overflow level of the bowl to prevent possibility of back-flow of contaminated Water from the bowl.

The bowl I is of the syphon flush type, flush water being supplied directly from the rim of the bowl. The rim-channel structure for the bowl provides an important feature of the invention. Portions thereof are preferably formed integral with the bowl, and portions are provided by a novel defecator seat arrangement.

The rim of the bowl I0 is formed with rimchannel portions spaced apart around the periphery of the top of the bowl. Advantageously such rim-channel portions are disposed at the front and rear of the bowl, see Illa and Ib, respectively, and extend inwardly over the top opening of the bowl to provide for the placement of peripherally spaced rim jet openings 22 directed into the bowl. The rim-channel portions Illa and b are closed at their ends, and the portions of the rim lying therebetween, i. e. laterally placed with respect to the bowl, are depressed below the level of discharge of the rim jet openings 22 and are preferably of outwardly flaring flange formation, see Illc and Id, Fig. 4.

The rear rim-channel portion Ib is desirably formed as an extension of the top wall 2l of chamber I3, having its channel open along its length communicating directly with the interior of chamber I3, see particularly Figs. 1 and 2.

'Ihe ow channel of the front rim-channel portion Illa is connected in flow receiving communication with chamber I3 by passageway 23 formed within `an appropriately placed double wall portion of the bowl.

It is to be noted that supply opening 2l) is located well above the overflow spill level as established by the rim portions IOC and Ilid. Therefore, since both supply opening 23 and rim jet openings 23 are disposed at a level above the overilow spill level of the bowl, all possibility of back flow of contaminated contents of the bowl through such opening is precluded should there be stoppage of the discharge system of the bowl.

The novel seating arrangement pursuant to the invention is provided, in the illustrated instance, by rim-channel seat portions 25 and 25 which are congurated, respectively, to fit into the respective lateral depressed portions of the bowl for support by rim portions Ic and IcZ and for disposition substantially flush with the rimchannel portions 25 and 26, which are configurated, respectively, to fit into the respective lateral depressed portions of the: bowl for support by rim portions Ic and lllcZ and for disposition substantially flush with the rim-channel portions Illa and IDU of the bowl.

'Ihe seat portions 25 and 26 may each comprise an outer water resistant sheathing 25a and 26a, respectively, enclosing suitable body material such as wood, or, if desired, forming a hollow chamber, and having secured to its bottom face bumper elements, as at 2, of resilient material, such as rubber, for cushioning its support on the respective rim portion, IIlc or Id.

The seat portions 25 and 26 function dually `as seating means for individuals using the defecator, and as rim-channels contributing directly t'o the flushing operation of the bowl. For this purpose they are advantageously hinged to the source of supply of flush water in flow receiving communication therewith.

Tubular conduit elements 28 and 29 preferably provide both the flow-channels for the seat portions 25 and 26, resectively, and the hinge mountings therefor. They are formedwith rimchannel portions 28a and 29a, respectively, provided With rim jet openings 25-I and 26-I, respectively, such portions preferably conforming to the contour of the inner edges of the seat portions 25 and 2S, respectively, and being incorporated Within such seat portions at such inner edges, their rim jet openings registering exactly with similar openings formed in the sheathing; such registering openings being disposed over the top opening of the bowl ID for discharge directly Athereinto.

The tubular conduit elements have intermediate portions 28hl and 29h, respectively, connecting with the rim-channel portions 28a and 29a., respectively, by means of transverse portions 28e and 29C, respectively, and extending rearwardly to terminate in valvular hinge portions 28d and 29d, respectively, directed inwardly toward the bowl and configurated for cooperation with additional valve structures.

The valvular hinge portions 28d and 29d are preferably of uniform diameter throughout the greater part of their lengths for journaled recepition within their respectively associated valve structures, see Fig. 3 in which details of the valve structure with respect to valvular hinge portion 28d `are illustrated.

Each valve structure preferably comprises a sleeve valve element, as at 3E), having a closedend portion, see 30a, with a bore diameter adapted to receive the end of the valvular hinge portion, here 28d, in close fitting sleeve relationship, and comprises further, a aring open-end portion, as at 3llb, having a bore diameter greater than is that of the closed-end portion, but concentric therewith. The valve element is disposed in a lateral wall of chamber I3; as illustrated, valve element 3Q is disposed in wall I5, the open-end portion, here 30h, thereof, being secured within a suitably provided aperture in the wall. A nut, as at 3|, may be threaded on that part of the open-end portion of the valve element which protrudes outwardly, tightening of the nut effecting drawing of the valve element so that its intermediate circumferential shoulder, see 30e, abuts with pressure against the inner dening edge of the aperture. An interposed packing ring of any suitable resilient material such as rubber, see 32, effects water-tight sealing of the joinder. A spud, as at 33, threaded into the bore of the open-end portion serves to journal the remainder of the uniformly diametered portion of the hinge portion in close fitting sleeve relationship. The so assembled Valve structure may be housed exteriorly of chamber I3 by -a cover element, as at 34, retained in place by a circumferential shoulder, see 28d-I, formed adjacentv the juncture of the valvular hinge portion of the tubular conduit with the intermediate portion of the tubular conduit.

The closed-end portion of the sleeve valve element extends inwardly of chamber I3. It is provided with a port, see 35, as is also the received and journaled end of the valvular hinge portion of the tubular conduit, see port 36, the two ports being so disposed as to register and provide a valve opening when the seat portions are in supported position on the rim of the bowl, i. e. substantially horizontal, and as to be out of register and close the valve opening when the seat portions are raised. rIhus flow of water from chamber I3 to the rim-channels 28a and 29a of the seat portions is controlled by the position of the seat portions with respect to the rim of the bowl, flow being permitted at such times as the seat portions are in proper ilushing placement relative to the rimchannel portions I a. and Ib of the bowl, and being precluded when such seat portions are in elevated position with respect to the rim of the bowl. Flushing of the bowl is thus accomplished directly from rim-channel portions I 0a, and Illb of the bowl in cooperation with the rim-channels 28m and 29a of the seat portions 25 and 26, respectively.

It is noted that the jet openings 25-l and 26-1 of the seat portions 25 and 26, respectively, are disposed at a level above the overflow spill level of the bowl, preferably substantially at the-level of the jet openings 2| of the rim-channel por` tions Illa and Ib of the bowl. Accordingly, possibility of back-flow through the jet openings of the seat portions is positively precluded.

For coordinating the movements of seat portions 25 and 26, a connecting strap 31 may be provided, such strap being arcuate in formation to clear the front rim-channel portion Illa of the bowl, and having its ends secured to` the fronts of the seat portions 25 and 2B, see particularly Figs. 1 and 5. The same result will be accomplished, however, by extending the free ends of the valvular hinge portions, 28d and 29d, of tubular conduits 28 and 29, respectively, for joinder within the confines of chamber I3.

Whereas this invention has been illustrated and described with respect to only one embodiment thereof, many changes may be made without departing from the generic scope of the invention as set forth herein and in the claims that follow.

I claim:

1. Waste disposal apparatus comprising a waste receiving and discharging bowl, ilushing liquid supply means, and independent rim-channel structure for said bowl hinged in ow-receiving communication with said supply means, said bowl including peripherally spaced rim-channel portions provided with jet openings directed into the bowl, and channel means establishing flow communication between said respective rim-channel portions and said supply means, said independent rim-channel structure comprising independent rim-channel portions formed and spaced for substantial registry with the portions of the rim of the ybowl which lie between the rim-channel portions thereof, said independent rim-channel portions being provided with jet openings directed into the bowl, and conduit means connecting the independent rim-channel portions in hinge relationship with said flushing liquid supply means and establishing controlled ow communication therebetween.

2. Waste disposal apparatus as recited in claim 1 wherein the stated rim-channel portions of the bowl are disposed at the front and rear thereof and wherein the portions of the rim of the bowl receive the stated independent rim-channel portions and support them substantially flush with said rim-channel portions of the bowl.

3. A defecator comprising a bowl, a chamber for the supply and distribution of flushing liquid, and a defecator seat for said bowl hinged in owreceiving communication with said chamber, said bowl including peripherally spaced front and rear rim-channel portions provided with jet openings directed into the bowl, the flow channel of said rear rim-channel portion opening directly into the chamber along substantially its length, and channel means establishing flow-communication between the flow channel of said front rim and said chamber, the portions of the rim which lie between said iront and rear rim-channel portions being depressed below the discharge level of said jetv openings, and said deiecator seat comprising seat portions formed and spaced for substantial registry with the portions of the rim of the bowl which lie Vbetween the rim-channel portions thereof, said seat portions having respectively associated therewith flow channels provided with jet openings .directed into the bowl, and conduit means connecting the said seat portions in hinge relationship with said chamber, and establishing controlled ilow communication between the said flow channels thereof and said chamber.

4. For combination with waste disposal apparatus, a bowl for receiving and discharging waste, said bowl having a rim comprising mutually spaced rim-channel portions integral with the bowl and provided with jet openings directed into the interior of the bowl, and comprising, further, rim portions disposed between Said rimchannel portion of the bowl and depressed below the level of discharge of said jet openings; and passage means affording ow of flushing liquid to said rim-channel portions.

5. For combination with defecator apparatus, a defecator bowl for receiving and discharging waste, said bowl having a rim comprising a front rim-channel portion and a rear rim-channel portion each provided with jet openings directed into the interior of the bowl, the two said rim-channel portions being separated by lateral rim portions depressed below the level of discharge of said jet openings, said lateral rim portions being adapted to receive and support rim-channel defecator seat portions, respectively; and passage means alfording flow of flush water to said rimchannel portions.

6. For combination with defecator apparatus, a defecator bowl for receiving and discharging waste, said bowl having a rim comprising a iront rim-channel portion and a rear rim-channel portion each provided with jet openings directed into the interior of the bowl, the two said rim-channel portions being separated by lateral rim portions depressed below the level of discharge of said jet openings, said lateral rim portions being adapted to receive and support rim-channel defecator seat portions, respectively; a chamber formed at the rear of said bowl by walls integral therewith for distributing the supply of flush water to said bowl, the interior of said chamber communicating directly with said rear rimchannel portion along substantially the length of the rim-channel thereof; an opening in said chamber adapted to connect with a source of suprim-channel portions provided with jet openings directed into the bowl, the flow channel of said rear rim-channel portion opening directly into' the chamber along substantially its length, and channel means establishing flow-communication between the flow channel of said iront rim and said chamber, the portions of the rim which lie between said front and rear rim-channel portions being depressed below the discharge level of said jet openings, and said defecator seat comprising seat portions formed and spaced for substantial registry with the portions of the rim of the bowl which lie between the rim-channel portions thereof, said seat portions having respective- 1y associated therewith flow channels provided with jet openings directed into the bowl, conduit means connecting the said seat portions in hinge relationship with said chamber, and ported valve v elements extending into said chamber, said conduit means comprising ported valve members adapted to cooperate with said ported valve elements in establishing controlled flow communication between the said flow channels of the seat portions and said chamber.

C. GROENIGER. 

